M’sians warned to take precaution against dengue

KUALA LUMPUR (dpa) – Prime Minister Najib Razak on Tuesday urged people to take precautions against dengue fever, which has caused 44

deaths in the first five weeks of the year in Malaysia.

“Dengue is now a growing concern in several areas around Malaysia,” he said. “I hope you will take precautions as well and immediately seek medical help if you experience symptoms of dengue.”

Najib said the government was intensifying its efforts to deal with the mosquito-borne disease, including sanitation awareness campaigns and taking actions against contractors who neglect to clean up their work sites.

Health Ministry director general Noor Hisham bin Abdullah said 44 people died from dengue from January 1 to February 7, compared to 17 death during the same period last year.

A total of 15,039 cases of dengue fever were reported nationwide during the first five weeks of 2015, compared with the 9,453 last year.

Dengue, also known as “break-bone fever,” causes internal bleeding, organ impairment, respiratory distress and sometimes death, particularly among infants and the elderly. Symptoms include nausea, headache and severe muscle and joint pain.